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Chavez's comment stirs diplomatic spat

November 21, 2003|By Items compiled from Tribune news services.

CARACAS, VENEZUELA — Chile was accused Thursday of overreacting by recalling its ambassador after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez voiced support for landlocked Bolivia's bid for access to the Pacific Ocean.

"We felt it was excessive on the part of the Chilean government and I must say that the president's position is not just his alone," Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel said.

Chavez said in Bolivia last weekend that he would like one day to visit a Bolivian beach, leading to the recall of Favio Vio.